Movies
Tess
Roman Polanski's disgraceful adaptation of Thomas Hardy's ungraceful novel, Tess of the D'urbervilles -- disgraceful not because it mangles the original (quite the opposite), but because it creates nothing of its own. Much in the manner of the PBS Masterpiece Theatre, Polanski's movie seems to want to rest on Hardy's laurels. This would perhaps be no crime, or would be less of a one, if the movie were less boring to sit through, less drab to look at, less vacant in the central role. Three hours long; shot in France; officially dedicated to Polanski's late wife, Sharon Tate, who is said to have first brought the book to his attention. With Nastassia Kinski, Peter Firth, and Leigh Lawson. 1980.
Reader Rating:
MPAA Rating: PG
